Having cut down too many trees and not looking forward
to the next one, my answers a

Pull the tree out of the water. Working in water is
never a good idea unless you've apprenticed at it for
a few years.

Get the largest blade possible and make sure someone
is standing near by in case you get injured.

Do not expect people to come running to relief you
of free fire wood. For some reason, they'd rather
pay for it.

He who uses a power toll without quality safety goggles
is a fool.

Dick